A string duo playing original compositions that are vibrant, experimental, melodic and contemplative in quality.

String duo Balladeste explore the versatility of just two string instruments, leading a new genre of contemporary classical meets alt-folk. Drawing on influences as far ranging as Arvo Pärt, Purcell, Hildegard of Bingham, Philip Glass, as well as the Madras String quartet and Silk Road Ensemble. Yet the result is completely unique, described by Katie Derham of BBC Radio 3 In Tune as defying “easy definition…very very special indeed.”

This special evening will celebrate the launch of Balladeste’s new album Beyond Breath, described as “an extraordinary and beautiful listening experience” by Folk Radio UK, as well as performances from friends, and internationally renowned artists; vocalist and violinist Alice Zawadzki and oud-master Saied Silbak.

★★★★

Balladeste

A collaboration between Preetha Narayanan (Violin) and Tara Franks (cello), the string duo explore the versatility and sound potential of two string instruments.

Balladeste unique way of writing and weaving in and out of each other’s voices as musicians and composers create a musical narrative that is ancient yet contemporary with traces of Indian classical and folk. Their original compositions that are vibrant, experimental, melodic and contemplative in quality – Songs without words with contemporary alt-folk twist.

Drawing on influences as far ranging as the singular melodies of visionary Hildegard of Bingham, the modal minimalism of Arvo Pärt, harmonic palette of Purcell via the minimalism of Philip Glass. Balladeste‘s musical breadth is equally akin to the likes of Caroline Shaw and Liam Byrne as the Madras String quartet and Silk Road Ensemble.

Alice Zawadzki

Alice Zawadzki is an award-winning Anglo-Polish vocalist, violinist, songwriter and composer based in London. Her work as a performer, collaborator, composer and speaker has seen her gain considerable repute from The Guardian as a distinctive and individual presence on the creative European music scene.

Alice’s rich musical background and “whimsical hyper-creativity” (MOJO Magazine) creates a sound which draws upon her early exposure to New Orleans jazz and gospel with the legendary Lillian Boutté. Her extensive classical training as a violinist, and a continuous exploration of improvisation, poetry, and folk music from diverse traditions, is not one to miss.

She performs extensively as both a soloist and as a collaborator, with headline performances at most of the major UK alternative and jazz venues and festivals, including the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s, the London Jazz Festival.

“An awestruck hymn to nature that masters all manner of styles.” The Guardian

Saied Silbak

Palestinian composer and oud player Saied Silbak returns to Grand Junction. Silbak began training in classical piano at the age of four, before moving onto the oud in his early teens in order to delve deep into the nuances at the base of Arabic music. His signature sound, created through his artful ability to fuse these styles together, has seen him perform around the world at festivals and concert series in the UK, Belgium, France, Palestine, Morocco, Argentina and beyond.